56 ORNAMENTAL GARDENING 
we have an abundance of soft limestone which has a rough 
surface and is an admirable material for all kinds of work which 
is exposed to the weather. In many other parts of the state 
rock of some kind can be obtained which can be used for rustic 
effects. In building rough rock bridges it is best to put down 
piling to a good depth, on which concrete or rock piers should 
rest; though of course if one can reach bed rock it is better. If 
for a foot bridge only, the arch may be light, but for vehicles it 
should be of reinforced concrete, the exposed surfaces being 
finished with rough rock. If wood is used it should be peeled 
(which detracts greatly from its attractiveness) and the whole 
covered with two or more coats of Carbolineum. 
Arbors and summer houses are not so much in fashion now as 
pergolas. A properly built pergola, either attached to a dwelling 
or detached, and covered with vines is an attractive object, 
provided it is well kept. It is, however, best to make the posts 
of concrete or better of rough rock. This remark is applicable 
to all arbors, trellises and, in fact, to all structures. No wood 
should ever be used in construction in or near the. ground in 
Florida, especially the warmer part of the state. 
Entrances to grounds are often marked by .some kind of 
architectural ornaments: piers or arches or in small places posts 
set in at the side of the road. In extensive places a gatekeeper’s 
lodge is sometimes built in addition to the work at the entrance 
and the whole may be quite elaborate. All such work should 
be made of cement, brick, or better of rough rock. The same 
thing may be said of walls which are used to enclose grounds or 
separate one part of them from another. It is a good idea to 
cover such structures with vines, preferably those which cling 
by means of adventive roots. In the northern part of the state 
the common English ivy (Hedera helix) is fine for this purpose 
and throughout the greater part of Florida Ficus repens, the 
trailing rubber plant, does admirably. Our native woodbine, 
which grows generally throughout the state, is a good plant, 
but it loses its leaves more or less in winter. Some of the Big- 
nonias are fine for this purpose. 
